Becomes

Chapter 0016

“What is this?” I ask.

“Well, open it,” Calvin says.

pull a box from the paper bag. It’s a fancy Cartier box, dark red with gold edges. I open it and see a beautiful jade necklace inside. The jade is a deep green, and the design is simple but elegant.

“Calvin, this is too much. I can’t take this,” I say, offering the gift back to him. “I really don’t want anything in return.”

Calvin shakes his head and doesn’t take the gift back. “Please, keep it. Think of it as a thank–you from my family for saving Bill,” he says, insisting that I accept it.

I take the gift, though I’m a little unsure about it. Calvin seems really sincere, and I can tell he really means it as a gesture of gratitude.

Just then, Calvin’s phone vibrates. “Excuse me, I have to take this,” he says and steps out to answer the call.

I pinch the bag, thinking about Calvin’s sincere face.

When he comes back, his expression is serious. “Sorry, I have to leave,” he tells me. “One of our clients needs my help right away.”

“Okay, Calvin. Talk soon,” I say, saying goodbye.

As he walks away, Calvin looks back at me. “Uhm, Serena? Maybe we could catch up more in a few days?” he suggests.

“Sounds nice,” I reply.

Calvin gives a big grin, bigger than I’ve ever seen on him. “Awesome, I’ll call you,” he says.

Once Calvin leaves, I make my way into Bill’s hospital room. Doris is

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still there, engaged in conversation with him.

“Oh, you’re here again,” Doris says with an annoyed look as I enter.

Bill’s POV

“Doris, I think you should get back to the office. I trust you can handle everything there,” I tell Doris.

“You sure?” Doris asks and I give her a nod in confirmation. As Doris heads for the door, Serena gives her a sharp glare.

Then, my eyes catch the brown paper bag in Serena’s hand. “What’s that?” I ask, curious.

Serena responds, “Oh, I bought the chocolate pudding cups.”

I’m genuinely surprised she remembers my favorite snack. “Thank you,” I say, appreciating the gesture. “Is that all you brought?”

Serena reaches into the bag and pulls out a Tonkatsu Bento Box. “I also brought you lunch,” she says, handing it to me.

I take a look at the bento box. “Well, aren’t you going to help me with it?” I ask, half–joking.

She sighs a little, “Fine,” and starts to open the box.

Inside, the Tonkatsu is neatly arranged. She takes the spork that came with it, scoops up a piece, and holds it up to my lips. I open my mouth, letting her feed me..

As I taste the food, it’s immediately clear that it’s not the best quality. The Tonkatsu lacks the tenderness and flavor I’m used to, especially compared to the meals Serena used to cook for me. The breading is a bit too thick, and the meat inside is dry, lacking the juiciness that should

be there

After a few bites, I ask, “Did you make this?”

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She shakes her head. “No, I didn’t have time to cook.”

I comment, “That explains it. This pork is pretty dry.”

She doesn’t take my remark well. Annoyed, she suddenly snaps the bento box closed and sets it down on the table harder than necessary.” Then, don’t eat it,” she says sharply.

She’s acting up again. Seriously, what the hell did I do this time?

I mean, I’m just disappointed she didn’t cook the meal she brought. But now, she’s really pushing my buttons. She never used to be like this before the divorce. Then I notice the Cartier paper bag in her hands.

Maybe she’s acting this way because she’s found someone new, someone rich. Why else would she have something from Cartier? I know I could afford to buy her something even more luxurious.

Without thinking, my frustration takes over, and I say, “Cartier, huh? Tell me, did your new sugar daddy get that for you?”

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